NZRU and WBRU guidelines for concussion and injury management

Concussion and Injury management policy (Injury management www.rugbysmart.co.nz)

The NZRU and Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union have very clear guidelines on the management of concussions and injuries which all coaches, managers, administrators and players must adhere too and are non-negotiable.

For further information please refer to www.rugbysmart.co.nz Injury Management or contact Stacey Grant by email on rdo@waibush.co.nz

The NZRU guidelines for the management and return of play after concussion are as follows.

NZ RUGBY CONCUSSION POLICY

AGE GROUP	MINIMUM REST PERIOD POST CONCUSSION	Graduated Return To Play	MINIMUM TIME OUT
U6’s – U19’s*	14 days	8 days	23 days (3 weekends missed)
ADULT	14 days	6 days	21 days (2 weekends missed)

*Under age (Under 6’s – Under 19’s) players playing adult rugby must follow age group guidelines

Players may not return to play until:
1.    All their symptoms have subsided
2.    They have followed the Graduated return to play protocol
3.    They have been medically cleared to return

Return To Play Guidelines

Level	Activity Undertaken	Time Post ConcussionGuidelines (approximate)
1	No activity, complete rest.Once symptom free and cognitive recovery is demonstrated, proceed to level 2	2 – 3 days
2	Light aerobic exercise such as walking or stationary cycling.	4 – 10 days
3	Sport-specific training (e.g. running activity, ball-handling activity).	11 – 15 days
4	Non-contact training activities.	16 – 20 days
5	Full-contact training after medical clearance.	21 days
6	Game play.	21 + days